Different Tundra models explained

Looking for these trucks can be a bit confusing. I have seen 1794, Platinum, TRD off road, SR5, TRD Sport, and just a Tundra. I would love to find a list or break down of the models. Sales people are useless. Just buy it.

Edit: In further searches I found very good comparison info on Autotrader.ca. Maybe Autotrader.com has the same thing. This is for the 2018 model.
https://www.autotrader.ca/research/toyota/tundra/2018/

 

https://www.toyota.com/configurator/build/step/model/year/2023/series/tundra/

 

Thank you very much! Would this be about the same for a 2017-2019 Model?
Happens to be the years I am looking for.

 

The basics:
SR - most basic truck you can get with very few amenities. The work truck model
SR5 - power everything with cloth standard and manual AC controls. This is the grey zone model and one of the most popular. It can be optioned with many of the upper trim accessories such as leather, better headlights and tech etc with various packages.
limited - the second most popular trim as it comes standard with leather and automatic climate control, power drivers seat and heated seats. Leather wrapped steering wheel, optional sunroof etc.
Platinum - the premium cabin truck adds special leather interior and trim and AC seats. Typically has sunroof as well.
1794 - the cowboy version with the amenities of the platinum but the “King Ranch” leather interior. It’s a nod to the ranch that the Tundra factory sits on in San Antonio.
TRD Pro - early models were SR5s with a more premium coil over front suspension featuring better shocks. Early models had Bilstein setups, later models went to FOX. This leveled the truck by lifting the front 2” or so and had special wheels. The later models had really nice forged BBS 18” wheels. Couldn’t get Auto climate control in early models. These were to compete with Special OR trucks like raptors, but really didn’t.
TRD OffRoad package - could be added to SR5, Limited and I believe the Platinum and 1794 trims (think maybe one didn’t get the option). It featured entry level Bilstein shocks with special front coils, an upgrade over the “black shocks” that came standard. No lift with these. Some extra skid plates and stickers.
I leave out the various radio - infotainment options because they all suck.

 

So does that mean SR's don't have power locks or windows?

 

Believe the SR does have power windows and locks, but no power seats.

 

Gotcha. Asking because for F150s, you need to pay like 1800 extra on a base XL model to get power windows and locks. Couldn't believe it. The only company I think that does that.

 

I don't know about 2022, but Gen 2.5 SR didn't have a power seat, intermittent wipers, fog lights (or switch), and probably more stuff I'm not aware of.

The 2022 SR5 I looked at while getting my oil changed didn't have a power seat.
My 2014 SR5 only has the driver's seat power.

 

close...but the TSS (toyota safety sense) was added in 2018....so slightly skewed

 

Thank you very much!!!! I could not have expected a better response. As I live in Canada there are probably some minor differences but it does not matter.

 

Power folding mirrors are only on Platinum and 1794. For some reason some of the limited model, not sure of years, only had power driver seat.

 

I'm curious on how many folks actually are interested in the new '22-23 SR model? I understand the engine is still a twin turbo, just detuned by 30hp? Seems like it's about $5,000 difference from an SR to an SR5 for 30 extra horsepower and mostly cosmetic options? If you just need a basic reliable new work truck, the SR would probably fit the bill for most people. It has LED lighting, and some other niceties.

 

Yeah, it would fit the functional needs for just about everyone I'd think. It seems though that the trend is for luxury utility vehicles, which personally makes no sense to me. No matter how nice a suit you fit on a horse, it's still a horse. SR5 isn't bad though. Nobody needs a sunroof and a/c'd seats in a pickup truck

The detuning would honestly be more desirable to me than an SR5 with more power. Engine is under less stress, greater longevity. That was basically ford's concept with the 4.6L V8 in panthers. Built up, then detuned. Never stressed out, excellent durability and longevity.

 

Agreed. I've been comparing a new 2023 Ford F150, XL, extended cab with the 2.7L Ecoboost with 4x4, to the 2023 SR Tundra access cab 4x4, as they are the best competitors. The Ford is about $4,000 more than the Tundra; but the Tundra has standard LED head and tail lamps--which is huge for me as I do a lot of backroad night driving for work. I just want a reliable work truck and the new Tundra looks like it will fit the bill.

 

I was considering an F150 as well before I got my tundra, but I would go Toyota for a number of reasons.

You should do more of your own research but after all of my reading, I couldn't be paid to take a new F150. Frames rusting immediately, engine problems, transmission problems, and general cheapness in the base models. In a Toyota, you get power windows/locks standard in an SR. On all doors. I think... In an F150, it's at least a grand or two to add that in. "XLT power equipment package". Even then, unless you have a crew cab, you still don't get power rear windows. They're fixed in place!

Ford is also using all electrical components a la steering, brakes, parking brake, etc. The 23 tundra might still use some of the old reliable hydraulic technology that's fixable for anyone willing to take the job. My 2018 has hydraulic power everything, most other companies switched to electronic everything a while ago. I believe Toyota held onto this because it is a more reliable and maintainable system.

3.5 turbocharged is definitely less hairy than 2.7 turbocharged, and the 2.7s came with plastic oil pans that had a ton of problems with leaking, amongst all the other 2.7 engine problems. I wanted a 5.0 for NA reliability, and even that went right out the window when I discovered they all have cylinder deactivation technology now. Ford has really lost the desire to make a quality, long living vehicle. In my opinion. Toyota probably isn't as good as they were a decade ago, but I'd rather a 23 tundra SR over any new F150 any day of the week. Even with the relatively unproven V6. Yeah, people have had problems, it's only been out a bit more than a year. Ford is constantly having Ecoboost problems, and they've had almost a decade to nail it down.

 

Devils advocate. "nobody needs a sunroof and a/c'd seats in a pickup truck" Why's that?

It's a want vs need. For your argument, nobody needs power windows/locks either right? If someone wants to have a Lexus version of a truck (Capstone), then great! They can buy it and enjoy or destroy if they want (whistlin diesel) But as long as there's options for all buyers out there, then there shouldn't be any issues.

 

Devil's advocate is great! I think you answered the question pretty well. Want vs need.

I cannot personally think of a scenario where a truck must have a sunroof to fulfill a function required to do work or accomplish a functional goal, besides let air in the cabin. Which the other 2-4 windows do just fine, and have done for decades. Same for A/C seats, regular air conditioning works just fine, why is another feature necessary?

Power windows/locks, that's a good point. Not technically necessary, but they add utility. Dogs in the back seat need some air, I can put any window at any position right from the driver's seat, and lock it there, so it can't be moved or messed with. Couldn't do that with hand crank windows. Power locks are more important though. Say there's an issue with my key, it may fit the ignition switch, but if there's an issue with the door lock, and I can't get the key in, unless it's a powered lock, that door is stuck and I have to mess with it to fix it. Power locks add another option to lock/unlock if for some reason my physical key won't work.

The way I see it, most options above SR or SR5 offer no real utility, it's just nice stuff that doesn't help me do functional things with my vehicle. It's great the options exist of course, my biggest criticism is that the market seems driven by a customer who wants a truck for some aesthetic reason, rather than someone who actually does things with it, which is what a truck is really for. Personally I am never going to drop tens of thousands for options that do not offer any real utility.

 

Many great points. There’s no perfect truck for the masses. Everyone has preferences and that’s what makes having trim levels that range from SR to Capstone great. Along with your point though, we’re seeing mfg’s eliminate slowly some basics that used to be staples. Doing this because sales are low and there’s most likely not much of a margin on those models. Such a short bed regular cabs or even regular cabs in general. I’m 35 with a recently grown family (8 month old) so the Crewmax for me is perfect. My father in law that is 72 that has a 96 Chevy 1500 long bed reg cab has a truck that perfectly fits him. He’d never buy a new one, but if he didn’t, he wouldn’t find one that fits his preferences/wants.

 

Easier roof rack access? Ummm... Stealthy access for camper toppers that extend over the cab?

Nothing stock comes to mind. I didn't bother putting a moonroof on my criteria of "needs" for my Tundra - but that power rear window that opens completely is so freakin' great on my CrewMax. It'd be kinda like a convertible to drive around with all those windows AND a moonroof open on my Tundra, but agreed, entirely unnecessary.

 

Agree with your take, but many are in need of a truck 10-50% of the time and use it the other 50-90% of the time as a daily / family hauler / commuter. Many don’t want the trouble of multiple vehicles to do all of their needs. As a daily, comfort features become more important. Not necessary, but useful from a comfort standpoint. Less than 5% of my miles will be 4wd, but I wouldn’t drive a truck without it.

 

Yeah, that is fair. I don't see the 4wd as a want vs need thing, because it doesn't really depreciate like the rest of the vehicle does. For the most part, the extra money you spend on 4wd you'll get back in resale value should you part with the truck. I haven't needed mine yet, but I will definitely come into a situation where I'd be lost without it. Be it a steep slippy boat ramp or soft trail somewhere.